The defending champions and the current leaders of the Zurich Premiership
predictably gained their 10th victory at Clifton Lane on Saturday afternoon when they
beat the league's bottom side by three tries to none.
Leicester fielded a much-changed side to the one which beat Bath last weekend
but still proved to be far too strong for the Yorkshiremen who, at one stage,
were threatened with a humiliating massacre.
Within the first 15 minutes Leicester had shot into a 17-0 lead following two
quick tries by centre Oliver Smith and winger Stephen Booth, who also kicked two
conversions and a penalty.
Leicester were far too powerful, particularly in the forwards, and with
fly-half Austin Healey showing plenty of flair and creativity, Rotherham were
unable to get their hands on the ball.
In front of a crowd of more than 4,500, Rotherham began to show more fight and
commitment and a sense of urgency.
Two penalties by fly-half Luke Smith reduced the deficit to 17-6 and although
Booth added his second penalty just before the break, making it 20-6, Rotherham
were still in contention.
After the break the Yorkshiremen's hopes rose considerably when Smith added a
third penalty on 43 minutes making it 20-9 and Rotherham's forwards began to win
more ball and put the champions under some pressure.
Rotherham's tackling was commendable as they defended their line in the face
of Leicester onslaughts.
On 67 minutes, Leicester skipper and England captain Martin Johnson was driven
over for the Tigers' third try and with Booth kicking his third conversion,
Leicester's victory was secure.
Earlier, Smith had the opportunity to cut Leicester's lead to only eight
points but, remarkably for such an accurate goal kicker, he missed the target.
While Rotherham finished the game strongly on Leicester's line, they simply
were not able to overcome their shocking start, which handed the game to
Leicester on a plate.
Zurich Premiership man of the match: Stephen Booth.
Teams:
Rotherham: Massey, Greaves, Umaga, Shepherd, Northey, Smith,
Harrison, Thorp, Johnson, Turner, Kenworthy, Parr, Greeff, Spence, Schmid.
Not Used: Bunting, Latham, Cook, Wade, Scully, Dixon, Hassan.
Pens: Smith 3.
Leicester: Newmarch, Booth, Smith, Gelderbloom, Stanley,
Healey, Hamilton, Jelley, Cockerill, Nebbett, M. Johnson,
Deacon, W. Johnson, Moody, Corry.
Not Used: Freshwater, Garforth, Balding, Back, Howard, Murphy, Lloyd.
Tries: Smith, Booth, W. Johnson.
Cons: Booth 3.
Pens: Booth 2.
Att: 3,800
Ref: Ed Morrison (RFU).
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